Sin City

Denver's done a fantastic job of making itself one of the most desirable places to live in the country--but that doesn't mean it's all bluebird skies, puppies playing in the park, and powder days. Scratch beneath the shiny, happy surface of the Mile High City, and you might be surprised what you find.

Lust. Greed. Wrath. Sloth. Gluttony. Pride. Envy. Think you won't find the seven deadly sins in abundance here in sun-kissed Denver? Think again: It turns out that Front Range residents are unrepentantly indulging in what have traditionally been considered dire moral offenses, and they’re having a pretty damn good time—and often making some money—while doing it. ❦ But fear not: These folks are merely carrying on our venerable tradition of debauchery. Denver was founded and developed by a motley coterie of adventurers, vagabonds, charlatans, and whores who flocked to this once-lawless oasis, lured by the siren song of the boundless West and the infinite riches it claimed to offer. Our present-day sinners—and by no means do we mean to judge here—work, live, and play among us, residing not on the fringe, but firmly in the mainstream; hell, they might even be people you know. And while these folks may make buttoned-up Denver blush, we maintain that their daring, unconventional ways make life, in what can sometimes be a disconcertingly vanilla town, a whole lot more colorful and compelling. So open your eyes, open your mind, and take a peek. We hope you enjoy the ride.--Luc Hatlestad